Kuwait – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations.

Reconsider Travel to Kuwait due to the threat of armed conflict, landmines, and crime.

Advisory summary
On March 2, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Kuwait due to safety risks. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer services to U.S. citizens in Kuwait due to the safety risks

Armed conflict
Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. Commercial aviation has also been seriously disrupted.

Aviation safety
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Kuwait. Consult the Federal Aviation Administration for the most up to date information on current FAA warnings.

Crime

• Exercise increased caution in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area in Kuwait City because of crime.
• The Kuwaiti police report that the neighborhood of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh near the Kuwait International Airport is a high-crime area.

Landmines

• Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist in the desert area and some beaches north of the Mutla’a Ridge and near the border with Iraq.
• The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are not marked, so it can be exceptionally hard to know where they are.
• There may be unexploded bombs, shells, and landmines left over from the 1990 Gulf War.
• Do not travel to areas that are “off the beaten path.” Do not touch or move objects in those area as they could explode.

For U.S. citizens in Kuwait:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Kuwait.
• Visit our website for information on travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. Plan together how and when you’ll confirm you are safe (text or call).
• Keep travel documents up to date and easy to access.
• Review local laws and conditions before traveling.  Kuwait has strict laws prohibiting the possession or trafficking of drugs (including marijuana) and alcohol.  Do not bring drugs or alcohol in your luggage and do not attempt to purchase them in Kuwait.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert especially in places visited by large groups of people and travelers or tourists.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.